The month in detail
What to expect in October
Autumn in San Francisco is often underrated: 19°C, golden light and declining crowds. An interesting window. Rain is virtually absent (9% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if September (8.3/10) remains theoretically better.
October ranks 5 out of 12 months in San Francisco. Compared to September: 6 pts more rainy days, −1.0h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in October
UV index
5 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
comfortable
11°
Sea
16°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
11.0h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 25
Compare
Is October the right month?
The best month in San Francisco is September (8.3/10), 0.3 pt higher than October.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · San Francisco
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · San Francisco
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · USA
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthSeptember · 20°C
❄️Coolest monthDecember · 13°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJanuary · 26%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in October
If October doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is San Francisco ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
USATemperate oceanic climate with a 8.3 → 4.2 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
37.77°N · 122.42°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit San Francisco?
September is the best month with 20.0°C highs, 14.0°C lows, 9.0h of sunshine and 3.0% rainy days. The months of September & June offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does San Francisco get in September?
San Francisco averages 9.0 sunshine hours per day in September. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.8/10.
What is the rainiest month in San Francisco?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in San Francisco in September?
In September, overnight lows reach 14.0°C, while afternoon highs average 20.0°C.
Is San Francisco good in winter?
In winter (December-February), San Francisco scores 4.1/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains September with a score of 7.8/10.
When should you avoid San Francisco?
January is the most difficult month to visit San Francisco, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in San Francisco in October?
In October, the sea averages 16°C in San Francisco: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in San Francisco in October?
The average UV index reaches 5 in October in San Francisco (moderate), with about 11.0h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.